ELECTRIC (11th) AVENUE: New York Auto Show Puts the Spark
Back into Electric Vehicles

NEW YORK--April
13, 2011: An ever-growing list of state-of-the art electric cars
whose kind has not been seen since the early days of the automobile will be
on display at the New York International Automobile Show at the Jacob K.
Javits Convention Center at 11th Avenue between 34th and 40th Street.
These new rides are innovative, high-tech, stylish, fun to drive and
emission free.

"It's hard to believe that electric powered vehicles --
that seem so futuristic today --were first built in the late
1890s," said show chairman John LaSorsa.
"Back then, these electric 'horseless carriages' lost out to the internal
combustion engine for the hearts and minds of the newly emerging car
buyers, but that preeminence is rapidly changing. What we are seeing
today is the beginning of an automotive revolution that is literally taking
us back to the future," continued LaSorsa.

With their quirky styling, cool colors, sophisticated technology and
entertaining driving characteristics--here's a look at some of
the electric cars that are breaking the mold for the way we will drive
tomorrow based on a great idea from the past.

Ford Focus Electric:

The all-new Focus Electric is Ford's first-ever all-electric passenger
car. Powered by a lithium-ion battery it has an expected 100 mile range
with a top speed of 84mph and is capable of fully recharging in three to
four hours at home using a wall-mounted 240-volt charge station. Focus
Electric also introduces new features and technologies such as a unique
version of the MyFord Touch driver connect system especially for electric
vehicles. Inside, the cluster display uses blue butterflies to represent
the surplus range beyond one's charge point destination --the
more butterflies there are, the greater the range. To reinforce the
message, at the end of each trip a display screen provides distance driven,
miles gained through regenerative braking, energy consumed and a
comparative gasoline savings achieved by driving electric. A smartphone
app called MyFord Mobile for smart phones will allow consumers to see
charging status, initiate charging and heat or cool the interior while
still plugged-in to the charging grid.

Chevrolet Volt

The five-door, four-passenger Volt is an electric driven vehicle
designed and engineered to operate in all climates, with a range of up to
379 miles. Powered by GM's Voltec propulsion system, it consists of a
16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric drive unit that provide pure
electric range between 25 and 50 miles. A 1.4L gasoline-powered engine
extends the range up to an additional 344 miles on a full tank of fuel by
operating the vehicle's electric drive system until the car can be plugged
in and recharged or refueled. When the battery energy is depleted, the
Volt seamlessly transitions to extended-range mode. Power is inverted from
a 1.4L 63-kW (84-hp) gasoline-powered onboard engine to the electric drive
unit to provide up to 344 additional miles of range.

Nissan LEAF

The 2011 Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats
five adults and has a range of 100 miles on one full charge. It is powered
by 48 laminated compact lithium-ion battery modules and a high-response
80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of
torque, providing a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience. The LEAF
can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in 30 minutes when equipped
with a quick charge port and using a DC fast charger. Charging at home
through a 220V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours. The
exterior of the LEAF utilizes a flat underbody (including a large front
flat floor cover, motor area undercover, front undercover and rear diffuser
with fins) to help manage airflow under the vehicle.

BMW ActiveE

At the heart of the BMW ActiveE is a powerful electric motor which
propels the car from zero to 60mph in just nine seconds from a standing
start. While it's top speed is electronically limited to 90mph. The
ActiveE also features an 'intermediate position' for the accelerator
pedal that results in the car's own kinetic energy being used to move
forward, without consuming energy from the batteries. To further increase
the range of the ActiveE ECO PRO Mode can be selected whereby the drive
configuration and comfort functions are modified to use less energy.

Honda FIT EV

The 5-passenger FIT EV is fitted with a high-density motor that delivers
excellent efficiency and power while remaining quiet at high speeds. The
Fit EV will achieve an estimated 100-mile driving range per charge and
driving range can be maximized by use of a 3-mode electric drive system
that allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal, and Sport to
instantly and seamlessly change the driving experience. While in Econ mode,
practical driving range can increase by as much as 17 percent, compared to
driving in Normal mode, and up to 25 percent compared to driving in Sport
mode. Acceleration improves significantly when in Sport mode, generating
performance similar to a vehicle equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine.
In addition to the 3-mode E-Drive system, the Fit EV will include several
interactive coaching systems to assist the driver in maximizing battery
range.

Mitsubishi MiEV

The Mitsubishi "i" is more than an electric vehicle, and it's more than
the sum of four decades of dedicated EV engineering. The Mitsubishi "i" is
a celebration of the innovative spirit. It's proof that eco-friendly
driving is feasible, affordable, and fun. Featuring world-class
performance, zero emissions, an expected range of 85 miles, comfortable
seating for four and an expressive, endearing style that says green in all
of its five colors, the Mitsubishi "i" will be arriving in the United States in Fall, 2011.

About the 2011 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS)

Showcasing the latest automotive trends, the 2011 New York International
Auto Show will unveil an extensive collection of the most technologically
advanced vehicles on display anywhere in the world. More than four floors
of displays, including the new Javits Center North exhibition hall, will
house nearly 1,000 stunning new 2011/2012 vehicles as well as sensational
futuristic concept cars. NYIAS is owned and produced by the Greater New
York Automobile Dealers Association.

Important Show Dates:

Press
Preview

April 20
and April 21

Public
Sneak Preview

April
22

Public
Show Dates

April 22
--May 1

Show Hours:

Monday --Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10
p.m.

Sundays: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Pre-Show Private Group Tours: The price includes a ticket to the
show, early access to the floor and a tour by an automotive expert. Visit NY Auto Show
for more information or to reserve a place on one of our
tours!